Norovirus PCR
Summary
Nucleic acid amplification assay for the detection of Norovirus GI & GII RNA.
Usage
Diagnosis of Norovirus infection in inpatients.
Specimen
Stool (Preferred)
Vomit
Specimen container
Faecal Pot (For Stool Samples)
Sterile Universal (For Vomit)
To Request On EPIC
For electronic requesting using EPIC (RDUH ONLY):
Search for: ‘NOROVIRUS PCR APPROVAL‘ or test code ‘LAB29100‘
Special Instructions
- This test should only be requested on inpatients after consultation with/advice or guidance from the Infection Control service. Other specimens sent without Infection Control approval may not be processed.
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- For non-inpatient requests – please contact the Laboratory before sending samples.
- Please send a separate sample for this test – do not combine with faecal culture or C. difficile testing.
- Not performed on Formed stool – please only send Liquid or Semi-Liquid Stool samples.
- Please ensure that sample containers are filled between 1/3 to 1/2 full. This is sufficient sample volume for testing. Under-filling or over-filling stool sample pots may lead to samples being unsuitable for analysis.
Availability
Performed at RDUH
Turnaround Time
24 hours
Urgent Specimen Instructions
Please contact Infection Control
Method
Cepheid GeneXpert
Useful Links
For Patients
Norovirus (vomiting bug) – NHS
Norovirus | Food Standards Agency
For Healthcare Professionals
RDUH | Infection prevention and control
Norovirus: guidance, data and analysis – UKHSA
Specimen Labelling Procedure
